Hill Voice, 1 April 2021, Rangamati: It has been reported that the army is conducting raids and searching the houses along with the reformist and UPDF (Democratic) terrorists in villages of Bandukbhanga union of Rangamati Sadar upazila, Longadu union of Longadu upazila and Suvalong union of Barkal upazila in Rangamati district.  It is learnt that this has caused deep concern and panic among the people of the area.

On the other hand, it has been alleged that the army is forcing the Jumma villagers of three villages to work unpaid in their camp in Kengrachari union of Bilaichari upazila of the same district.

According to local sources, since March 31, 2021, several teams of the Bangladesh Army have launched military operations in Bandukbhanga Union of Rangamati Sadar Upazila, Longadu Union of Longadu Upazila and Suvalong Union of Barkal Upazila. At that time, armed members of the Reformist and UPDF (Democratic) terrorist group were also seen with the army.

It is learnt that Rangamati Sadar Army Zone, Naniyarchar Army Zone, Suvalong Army Camp and Bamey Longadu Army Camp jointly participated in the operation. At present there is one group of army in Korolya Muro area, one in Dur Khaiya area, one in Machhe Para area and one in Kuromara area of ​​Bandukbhanga Union. It is learnt that Prabesh Chakma and Rupayan Chakma, the commanders of the terrorists were with the army in the army operation in this area.

There is one group of army in Rupban area and one in Silchari area in Suvalong union. It is learnt that Sukhmoy Chakma, a member of the terrorists is with them. There is also a group of army in the Radhaman Bazar area of ​​Longadu Union and another in the Bara Kattali area.

It is also learnt that during the operation at around 1:30 pm on March 31, 2021, the army searched the houses of two Jumma villagers in Rupban area of ​​Suvalong Union. The owners of the searched house are- (1) Bisharad Chakma (50), son of Jamani Ranjan Chakma and (2) Priyo Ranjan Chakma Badhichan (48), son of Jugilal Chakma.

It is learnt that this operation of the army will continue till April 3, 2021.

On the other hand, the Army of Oporajeyo 6 (invincible 6) Bengal of the Belaichari Army Zone has been accused of forcing three villagers of the Kengrachari Union to work unpaid in their Merangchari Army Camp.

It is learnt that on March 31, 2021, the army forced Pratimoy Karbari, village head of Naraichari Upor Para, Suborno Karbari, village head of Begenachari and Kamadev Karbari to work in Merangchara army camp by bringing 14 people from each village. Earlier, on March 30, 2021, Shantimoy Karbari of Sapchari village with 14 villagers and on March 29, 2021, Ma Aung Karbari of Merangchara village with 14 villagers was forced to work in the same camp.

A few well-informed locals, who did not want to be named, are calling this compelling act of the army a modern ‘slavery’ in the CHT. It is to be noted that in addition to torture, the army is often accused of such inhumane treatment of the Jumma people.